• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, October 24, 2016

Pittsburgh-based marketing communications shop Gatesman+Dave, has promoted Shannon Baker to the role of president.

In her new role, Baker is tasked with driving agency integration, collaboration and innovation for the agency’s diverse client roster which includes Del Monte, Hormel Foods, Foodland, UPMC Health System, and the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey franchise among others. 

Baker joined the agency in 2007 and is credited with reeling in several million in new business income  and with landing major accounts such as Thorntons convenience stores, StarKist and Tobi Dynavox. Previously she was EVP and head of the agency's PR and social media units.

“My father [taught] me that in business it’s always about what’s next, optimizing for tomorrow, building for the long-term and preparing for something bigger,” stated Baker. “Our business is no different. New demands and new ways of thinking have forced the traditional advertising agency to evolve or get left behind. We must be at the forefront of these changes, and combine our existing strengths with emerging trends, enhance our capabilities and innovate in order to deliver our clients the solutions that will be most meaningful to their organizations.” 

In additional to advertising, the firm has expertise in branding, digital, public relations, social media, and media planning and buying. 

CEO John Gatesman will continue to lead new business at the 10-year-old agency and be involved with clients and agency operations. “We’re incredibly proud of our past, but acknowledge the worlds of marketing and communications have collided with technology and data,” stated Gatesman. “The power has shifted from brands to people, and the rise of multi-channel media consumption has completely disrupted the way marketing messages are delivered. We’re eager to get started as we look to embark on the next phase of our company’s evolution, and together with Shannon, we will develop a new vision with new strategies to meet these demands.”